Renewable energy contributes over 22 per cent to India's installed power generation capacity. Although conventional fuels still dominate this segment, the share of renewable energy sources has been steadily increasing from about 8 per cent in 2009.

The gas-based cogeneration in India is still a challenge because of gas pricing. Currently, it is difficult to motivate the consumer to go for the gas- based combined heat and power (CHP) option. Except for fertilisers and oil & gas companies, we are not seeing much except for those installed before.

Energy is one of the most important commodities enhancing the growth of any country. And, India in the recent past has taken various steps in augmenting its resources with the aim of attaining energy security.

You are heading the thermal business for General Electric (GE) in South Asia. Can you throw some light on the business and the prospects in India?
I have been working with GE Power in Zurich, Switzerland for the last 12 years. Around two years ago, GE acquired the thermal power business of Alstom and I had the opportunity to head the South Asian division of this business in India.

Digitisation has been at the forefront of power sector for the past decade in India. Evidently, the stakeholders in the electricity value chain have been investing considerably in the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance efficiency.

By now, you might have turned a new page of the new calendar. After shedding the New Year hangover, it is time to recall what has happened over 2017, so we can lay a roadmap for what we have to do to light up people's lives in the New Year, mainly through 'quality 24x7 power for all' as the government has envisaged.

Millions of Indians are yet to see the light of the day, without electricity connection. Pace of demand growth is far behind that of supply. The fossil fuels are being relegated and renewable sources are inducted in a big way.